POLICE have launched a CCTV appeal after a number of scratchcards were stolen from a store in Blandford.

The incident happened on Thursday, October 25 at Tesco in Stour Park.

It was reported that a woman entered the store, selected a few items and then made her way to the till.

While at the still she asked the shop assistant for a number of scratchcards.

According to police, she attempted to pay for the goods and the cards, but her bank card continued to be declined.

She then told the shop assistant she would get another payment card from her car, but before leaving concealed the scratchcards in her bag and never returned to the store.

A similar theft of scratchcards occurred on Thursday, November 8 at Tesco on Riverside Avenue in Bournemouth.

Police Sergeant Carmel Ryan, of Dorset Police, said: “We believe that both incidents are linked to the same suspect and I am appealing to anyone who recognises the woman pictured, or who has any further information, to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180173031. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.